One-of-a-kind walk for this grad

Updated 11:31 pm, Saturday, June 15, 2013

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

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Jesse Martinez receives his diploma during the graduation for South San at Freeman Coliseum on Saturday, June 15, 2013. Jesse was born with cerebral palsy and lost his legs shortly after birth. Usually confined to a wheelchair, he walked across the stage on prosthetics and with help. less

Jesse Martinez receives his diploma during the graduation for South San at Freeman Coliseum on Saturday, June 15, 2013. Jesse was born with cerebral palsy and lost his legs shortly after birth. Usually confined ... more

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

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Jesse Martinez receives his diploma during graduation from South San at Freeman Coliseum on Saturday, June 15, 2013. Jesse was born with cerebral palsy and lost his legs shortly after birth. Usually confined to a wheelchair, he walked across the stage on prosthetics and with help. less

Jesse Martinez receives his diploma during graduation from South San at Freeman Coliseum on Saturday, June 15, 2013. Jesse was born with cerebral palsy and lost his legs shortly after birth. Usually confined to ... more

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

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Members of the South San High School Class of 2013 prepare to receive their diplomas at Freeman Coliseum on Saturday, June 15, 2013.

Members of the South San High School Class of 2013 prepare to receive their diplomas at Freeman Coliseum on Saturday, June 15, 2013.

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

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Jesse Martinez, right, leads some of his South San Class of 2013 classmates to the stage to receive their diplomas at Freeman Coliseum on Saturday, June 15, 2013. Jesse was born with cerebral palsy and lost his legs shortly after birth. Usually confined to a wheelchair, he walked across the stage on prosthetics and with help. less

Jesse Martinez, right, leads some of his South San Class of 2013 classmates to the stage to receive their diplomas at Freeman Coliseum on Saturday, June 15, 2013. Jesse was born with cerebral palsy and lost his ... more

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

One-of-a-kind walk for this grad

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Jesse Martinez Jr. got the rock star treatment Saturday as he took the commencement stage at Freeman Coliseum.

Martinez, 19, received a standing ovation for something most take for granted: He walked.

A milestone for each of the 400 South San Antonio High School graduates, Martinez's walk to accept his diploma was a lifelong dream achieved with grit, sacrifice and determination.

He was born with cerebral palsy and lost both legs at an early age. Saturday was the first time he walked with his prosthetics in public.

With help from his teachers and senior class advisor, Martinez stood in his blue cap and gown, flashed a smile for the cameras and walked.

“I believe that because something isn't probable does not mean it's impossible,” he said. “Anything can be done with the right state of mind.”

Never one for special treatment, his teachers said, Martinez completed the work he missed during absences for surgery or rehabilitation. He stayed involved in activities such as fundraisers for school dances, and he was determined to walk the stage for graduation.

“This is pretty much an event that I've long waited for, and I'm glad to get it done. It's overwhelming,” Martinez said.

“It's been a challenge, but I love a challenge,” he added. “It makes the world a better place, not just for me but for everyone.”

As his bones grow, surgery is sometimes required, said Tim Tucker, administrator for secondary special education programs. Recovery and rehabilitation follow.

“He worked really hard for months, since Christmas, he'd go to rehab,” said Glory Gross, Martinez's criminal justice teacher. “That was one of his goals: to walk the stage and make his grandma proud.”

Martinez said his grandmother, Ofelia Rodriguez, raised him and has played the most important role in his life. “She is the foundation for what I am today. She made this day possible for me. I love her with all my heart.”

He said that with her, he's been able to weather obstacles and overcome them. “I believe we pushed each other and are each other's light of hope.”

Saturday's graduation was just the start, Martinez said. He plans to attend Palo Alto College and transfer to St. Mary's University. He's been selected to receive a San Antonio Education Partnership Scholarship.

“I plan to get done with college, become a lawyer and to build a school for unfortunate kids in society,” he said. “And to become a loving father and husband.”